Records: Autry to testify against Adams in 2011 Holly Bobo rape
SAVANNAH — Jason Autry is expected to testify against Zach Adams in the rape of Holly Bobo, according to court documents filed last week.
Autry, who received immunity in the case, is charged with the death of Bobo. Adams and his brother John Dylan are also charged in her kidnapping, rape and abduction in April 2011.
Adams’ trial was scheduled to start Monday, but during jury selection last week, the trial was delayed after a motion by defense attorney Jennifer Thompson to allow more time to test a gun found on Memorial Day weekend. A motion filed July 3 says that gun is an Ariminius model Smith & Wesson long revolver.
Court documents say prosecutors first notified defense attorneys of the gun on May 26, and the gun was later described via email as “a critical piece of evidence.”
Defense attorneys say in the motion that they have received reports from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation that they do not believe shows any relevance, and they have not been made aware of where the gun was found or who found the gun.
Adams’ attorneys also requested to have the venue changed again and to exmpt any mention that Adams may have raped Bobo because those accusations allegedly came from John Dylan Adams in statements made to investigators. Court documents filed by Adams’ attorneys allege those statements are the only evidence prosecutors have that connect Adams to Bobo’s rape. Bobo was 20 when she was reported missing from her home in Parsons in April 2011. Her disappearance led to a massive search in Tennessee and the South. Authorities say two men found her skull in a wooded area in Decatur County in September 2014.
In a response filed in Hardin County Circuit Court last week, prosecutors say Jason Autry will testify.
“The State believes that Mr. Autry will testify to statements made by Defendant about Defendant committing offenses charged in the indictment,” court documents say.
Court documents say Autry has been offered federal immunity, but Autry does not have an immunity agreement with the state. The specific details the immunity agreement has not been confirmed.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys for Autry agreed to discuss reduced charges, pending Adams’ trial and “truthful testimony,” court documents say.
Adams’ attorneys requested to have the court move the trial again because they do not believe Adams can have a fair trial close to Decatur County.
Court documents say the publicity in surrounding counties and on local media “has exceeded that of any case in Hardin, Tennessee.”
“As a result of the massive publicity, as well as other events, many potential jurors in Hardin County sincerely believe that Zachary Adams is guilty of the alleged offense,” according to court documents.
Adams’ attorneys also requested that rape charges be dismissed against him.
The trial against Zachary Adams has been reset for Sept. 11. A motions date is scheduled for August 9.